One morning of that spring, Gandalf visited Bag End, but found its master, Bilbo Baggins, not at home. Holman informed him that Bilbo had gone on one of his walks, as it was the Elves' new year. Holman's description of Bilbo convinced Gandalf he had found the perfect man for his mission, to re-take Erebor.[3]

When Bilbo went missing - that is, on his mission - Holman and Hamfast had their hands full in making sure the garden wasn't trampled as the place was swarming with Hobbits, hoping to get a piece of the Baggins estate.[2]

Etymology

Holman means "hole-man", and is distinct from the real-life English surname[4] which contains holm "river island" rather than hol "hole".[5]